Outstanding week for British Keelboat Academy sailors at Commodores’ Cup 2012 

BKA awarded the the ‘Most Impressive Yacht’ and the Twee Gezusters trophy

A team of young sailors from the British Keelboat Academy had an outstanding week in the Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup which concluded this weekend (Saturday 28 July).  

The crew, sailing on board Yeoman of Wight, finished third individual boat amongst a highly competitive fleet of boats and sailors from both the UK and abroad. In recognition of their efforts, the crew of Yeoman of Wight were awarded the special Brewin Dolphin award for the ‘Most Impressive Yacht’ at the event as well as the Twee Gezusters trophy for the highest finish of any yacht with at least two females as part of the crew.  

Lizzy Foreman, navigator and spinnaker trimmer, sums up her experience of the event: “The high standard of the fleet became immediately obvious to us – we knew from day one that we were in for a tough competition, with many of the other crews having taken part in the event before. Competing at such a high level event was a real learning experience for our young team.”  

The BKA sailors approached the event with professionalism and determination, while enjoying it at the same time, which was recognised by many of the more experienced sailors, giving the crew plenty to learn from and take forward to future campaigns.  

Luke McCarthy, BKA Head Coach who sailed as tactician for the event, commented: “The team performed brilliantly at the Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup, definitely surpassing our own and most others’ expectations. I cannot praise the young team highly enough for the way they performed all week and, more importantly, for the effort they have all put in behind the scenes for the best part of a year which contributed to this result.”  

McCarthy concluded: “We really appreciate the generosity of David Aisher for kindly making the boat available for the campaign, and also for his input throughout as he sailed with the team for most of the season including for the Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup. Also, finally, thanks to the RYA and UKSA for supporting the campaign, and our sponsors including Polaroid Sun and Overboard.”  

If you are the owner of a racing yacht in the 25-40’ range and are interested in working with the BKA, then please contact support@britishkeelboatacademy.org. The British Keelboat Academy is looking to work with more owners of racing yachts to provide crew for their campaigns. As well as talented, committed crew, we are also able to work with the owner to provide coaching and other input to ensure the success of all sailing campaigns.  

Applications are also now open for sailors aged 18-24 who are interested in getting involved with the British Keelboat Academy. If you are an aspiring young sailor looking to gain top quality coaching and training with a view to taking your sailing to a professional level then please visit www.britishkeelboatacademy.org for more information. You can apply for a place at the selections by clicking on ‘Squad Application’ and completing the form.

For more information about the British Keelboat Academy please visit the BKA website at www.britishkeelboatacademy.org , or follow the BKA on Facebook or on Twitter (@tweetbka)

The BKA crew sailing on board Yeoman of Wight:
In the picture (L-R)
Bethan Carden (London)
Jonty Cook (Oxford)
Stevie Beckett (Solva, Pembrokeshire)
Luke McCarthy (Southampton)
Lizzy Foreman (London)
David Aisher (Tunbridge Wells)
Olly Essex (Suffolk)
Alex Gardner (Isle of Wight)
Not in photo: Leo Scholefield (Jersey, Channel Islands)